Those of you who know me well, already know I am big on ‘homemade’.
Rather than buying products from the store, I prefer to recreate my own versions at home.
I am fairly certain this has been instilled in me from my childhood. Growing up with a single mum, funds were very limited. We didn’t buy name-brands, it just wasn’t an option.
This was not a trend reserved only for food – it was the same for clothing, jewellery, homewares, art.
Actually, everything.
If I wanted anything, I had a go at making it, or scouted the op shops for it. This general attitude has transcended into my everyday adult life.
I first noticed when my little boy would ask me for a new toy at the shops. My instant response, regardless of whether we had the money or not, is always, “No – how bout we make one when we get home?’. Being 5 years old, he still sees this as a win. Besides, it means we have a fun little project to work on together too. We make everything from homemade play dough to band t-shirts, stuffed toys, friendship bracelets, colouring pages, birthday cards, mixtapes, and most especially food.
I don’t buy treats down the street, I make them.
And for a long while I have been tempted by the healthy choc-nut spreads at the health food stores. You have probably seen them around, they are even creeping their way into supermarkets these days. Right next to the nut butters (yum!).
I first made one with almond-cashew butter which was truly amazing. Then I had the idea of using tahini as the base instead. Holy cow it is so good! Especially for a tahini lover like me. You can use whatever tickles your fancy really, I am sure peanut butter would also be divine.
This treat is perfect for the kids’ (and grown ups) sandwiches, drizzled on fruit salads, dolloped onto your morning porridge, and I must admit – straight off the spoon.
Be warned though – it is super addictive.
Choc – Tahini Spread
This little treat is raw, vegan and paleo friendly, and can be whipped up in a jiffy.
– 1/3 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
– 2 or 3 Tbsp raw cacao powder
Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
Pour into a jar and store in the pantry, next to the other spreads.
Makes approximately 3/4 cup of deliciousness.
Update:
On suggestion by Deena Kakaya, I have just entered this recipe as part of a Fabulous Fusion Food challenge that she is running. You can check it out here if you would also like to enter, or perhaps find some inspiration for dinner tonight.
Yum! I’ve made something similar to this (I skipped the coconut oil) and slathered it on bananas, mostly.
Cindy, you are so talking my language! Trying that for breakfast tomorrow. On Toast. I’m already excited!
Chocolate tahini sounds a lot better than nutella 🙂
I agree Cathy – it is a much healthier but equally delicious alternative. Something that I don’t mind feeding to my boy either. He calls it mum’s Nutella : )
Chocolate tahini sounds a lot better than nutella 🙂
I agree Cathy – it is a much healthier but equally delicious alternative. Something that I don’t mind feeding to my boy either. He calls it mum’s Nutella : )
Chocolate tahini sounds a lot better than nutella 🙂
I agree Cathy – it is a much healthier but equally delicious alternative. Something that I don’t mind feeding to my boy either. He calls it mum’s Nutella : )
You’ve done it again Jade, just love this ( haven’t made it but know I love it) cos as you know me being your mum I’ve been experimenting with different versions of nut and seed butters and love them all, but I think your one here sounds the best of all. I love how you mentioned about growing up having to make our own stuff, it was fun wasn’t ( though sometimes you didn’t like it ) but it paid off in the end and its really, really special that you’ve taken this into your adult life and have become so thrifty and clever! And as you mentioned fun for Clancy , cures the boredom problems and gets his creativeness flowing from a young age!
You’ve done it again Jade, just love this ( haven’t made it but know I love it) cos as you know me being your mum I’ve been experimenting with different versions of nut and seed butters and love them all, but I think your one here sounds the best of all. I love how you mentioned about growing up having to make our own stuff, it was fun wasn’t ( though sometimes you didn’t like it ) but it paid off in the end and its really, really special that you’ve taken this into your adult life and have become so thrifty and clever! And as you mentioned fun for Clancy , cures the boredom problems and gets his creativeness flowing from a young age!
Thanks mum!
Yes, I have to admit I hated it at the time, but I am so pleased that it is a part of who I am now. I wouldn’t change it for the world : )
Thanks Jade, so beautiful to hear that. Ti voglio bene xx
That sounds unusual, but I can imagine that the nuttiness works well with chocolate. Would love you to enter this recipe into fabfusionfoods via http://www.deenakakaya.com/challenge x
That sounds unusual, but I can imagine that the nuttiness works well with chocolate. Would love you to enter this recipe into fabfusionfoods via http://www.deenakakaya.com/challenge x
Hello Deena, thank you for the suggestion I will definitely enter this recipe in your challenge! And yes, the tahini and chocolate really do make a lovely combination. Even my little one (who is a very picker eater) likes it.
X Jade
gorgeous nutty and sweet chocolate. I can imagine that this recipe could be used in so many ways and I looking forward to start trying it. thanks for sharing the recipe with fabfusionfoods.
Thank you Deena! It has become a bit of pantry staple in my house now. Looking forward to the next round of FFF. X
gorgeous nutty and sweet chocolate. I can imagine that this recipe could be used in so many ways and I looking forward to start trying it. thanks for sharing the recipe with fabfusionfoods.
Thank you Deena! It has become a bit of pantry staple in my house now. Looking forward to the next round of FFF. X
So brilliant! I just made this for a lactose-intolerant friend and it is utterly delicious. Much better than Nutella in my opinion. Thanks for the great (and simple) recipe!
Thank you for your lovely comment Eleni!!
It is one of those recipes I make regularly, because it is so good! Glad you like it too.
xx
I have one always ready since I found this recipe. I just do not use the oil. So quick and easy and so good 🙂 Thank you!
Hello Jade.
I made a cornbread, wanted something sort of sweet to spread on top and found your recipe, thank you. It was delicious. I love right in the middle of the maple syrup world, along the Quebec / Vermont border in Canada and used our finest for this recipe. Now all I need is a friend in Lebanon for some of the best and freshest Tahini and . . . . If you want a can of what we call ‘sweet gold’, just let me know. Cheers,
Hi Shane thanks for your message! Liquid gold – yes please!!! Also, your cornbread recipe 😉